Propofol given rapidly can cause which immediate complication?

Propofol given rapidly can cause which immediate complication?

• A. Apnea
• B. Hypertension
• C. Increased jaw tone
• D. Bradycardia only if preexisting

Answer: (A)

Propofol rapidly crossing into the CNS and enhancing GABAergic inhibition produces deep hypnosis but also suppresses the brain’s drive to breathe. When given as a rapid bolus, this respiratory depression can cause apnea right away, often requiring immediate airway management and ventilation. Hypertension and increased jaw tone aren’t typical immediate effects—propofol tends to lower blood pressure and relax muscles instead of increasing jaw tone. Bradycardia can occur, but it’s not as direct or as immediate a consequence of a rapid bolus as apnea. So the immediate complication you’d expect with a rapid propofol dose is apnea.

Propofol rapidly crossing into the CNS and enhancing GABAergic inhibition produces deep hypnosis but also suppresses the brain’s drive to breathe. When given as a rapid bolus, this respiratory depression can cause apnea right away, often requiring immediate airway management and ventilation. Hypertension and increased jaw tone aren’t typical immediate effects—propofol tends to lower blood pressure and relax muscles instead of increasing jaw tone. Bradycardia can occur, but it’s not as direct or as immediate a consequence of a rapid bolus as apnea. So the immediate complication you’d expect with a rapid propofol dose is apnea.